Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is an annual arts festival in Florence, most notably important as an opera festival, which was founded in April 1933 by conductor Vittorio Gui.
Gui wished to stage both contemporary and forgotten operas in visually dramatic productions and his idea went on to become the first music festival in Italy. Today, it is a Florentine institution and is held each year usually beginning late April, continuing through May and into June.
Generally there are four operas staged over this period but lots of other events related to the festival also take place in the city over the two months. If you're a music lover and have a particular fondness for opera be sure to find a luxury villa in Florence and check this festival out for yourself.
Gui wished to stage both contemporary and forgotten operas in visually dramatic productions and his idea went on to become the first music festival in Italy. Today, it is a Florentine institution and is held each year usually beginning late April, continuing through May and into June.
Generally there are four operas staged over this period but lots of other events related to the festival also take place in the city over the two months. If you're a music lover and have a particular fondness for opera be sure to find a luxury villa in Florence and check this festival out for yourself.
The very first opera presented at the festival was Verdi's early Nabucco, his early operas then being but rarely staged. It was originally a biennial event with the presentation of nine operas, but after 1937, it became an annual festival (although this was interrupted during WWII).
The Teatro Comunale has served as the main location for the events since the festival's inception with the Teatro Piccolo serving for smaller productions and the historic Teatro della Pergola for others.
Additionally, a new opera house was also opened in 2011.
The Teatro Comunale has served as the main location for the events since the festival's inception with the Teatro Piccolo serving for smaller productions and the historic Teatro della Pergola for others.
Additionally, a new opera house was also opened in 2011.
Past performers include the Orchestra Mozart, Massimo Giordano, and the Orchestra and Chorus of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and events range from classical music concerts and recitals and opera to ballet in venues across the city. These events are a delight for all, not just aficionados with the striking pairing of wonderful music and productions by leading international companies in the stunning and historic settings of Medieval and Renaissance churches and theatres. Some are even held in St. Mark's Church and the Auditorium of the Duomo. If you're a newbie and not sure how you might fare with a classical production or so much culture in one sitting, you can even attend abridged versions of some operas. To top it all off, there are plenty of package deals out there that will offer you both dinner and a show.
If you are spending time in Florence May or the beginning of June you should try and make it out to a Maggio Musical Fiorentino event. This festival is a distinct tradition and a highlight of the cultural calendar in Tuscany.
If you are spending time in Florence May or the beginning of June you should try and make it out to a Maggio Musical Fiorentino event. This festival is a distinct tradition and a highlight of the cultural calendar in Tuscany.
